Thomas Alsop is the current “Hand of the Island,” a modern-day warlock protecting the island of Manhattan from supernatural evil. All of Alsop’s ancestors have had the same job, but Thomas thinks of his position as more celebrity than protector, until something unfortunate happens… Thomas Alsop is something of a cross between Constantine and Doctor Strange with a compelling story and effective art. (color; teens and older)

The Benjamin Bear books come from TOON Books, the same company that brought us Lost in NYC: A Subway Adventure. While Lost in NYC is a level 3, the Benjamin Bear books are level 2 books, comparable to an easy reader. Benjamin Bear in Brain Storms! is silly but clever fun, teaching kids that words often have more than one meaning. They’re a bit absurd, but they do a great job of expanding a child’s imagination. (color; all ages)

Rutabaga is an adventure chef who finds amazing things from a strange fantasy land to cook in his magic cauldron. I really like the idea of a young chef having adventures and the first stories in the collection are light and fun-filled, but the second half of the book is significantly darker and a bit unfocused. Still this is a fun ride and I look forward to reading more. (color; ages 8 and older)

3.5/5

Headspace (2015) Ryan K. Lindsay, Eric Zawadzki (IDW)

Derek and I recently discussed this book about a town and its people that exists inside the mind of a killer and the sheriff trying to make sense of it all. You can listen to what we had to say about this title here. (color; older teens and up)

4/5

You Don’t Say (2015) Nate Powell (Top Shelf)

The first few autobiographical stories are good, but give the impression that Powell is somewhat “finding his way” early in his career. The rest of the stories will likely resonate more with readers, many of them superb. Derek and I also discussed this one on the same podcast as Headspace. (black-and-white; older teens and up)

4/5

Lost Property (2015) Andy Poyiadgi (Nobrow)

Vacancy (2015) Jen Lee (Nobrow)

Two more books Derek and I discussed in the previously mentioned podcast. http://comicsalternative.com/episode-137/ Both books are part of Nobrow’s 17 x 23 series of short graphic novels, the first about a young man who finds everything he ever lost in one place, the second about a neglected dog named Simon who finds his freedom in the wild… or does he? (both color, both 12 and up, although younger kids probably won’t relate to Lost Property very much)

Fred (Frédéric Othon Aristidès) began his Philémon stories in 1972 and completed 16 volumes before his death in 2013. In this story, Philemon – who lives in the country – falls into his father’s well and lands in a strange fantasy world with strange beings and seemingly no way home. Cast Away on the Letter A is a delightful absurdist tale for both young and old. I hope we eventually see all of the Philémon stories in the coming years. (Beth over at The Comics Alternative just reviewed the second book in the series translated into English called The Wild Piano.) (color; all-ages)